Calvert County Supports Upper Mill Creek Stream Restoration In Prince Frederick

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a proposal on Aug. 4 allowing the Friends of Hunting Creek and the American Chestnut Land Trust to pursue restoration efforts along a section of Upper Mill Creek in Prince Frederick.

The proposal focuses on a 1,750-foot section of the stream located on county-owned property near Prince Frederick Boulevard. The groups plan to seek outside grant funding for design, permitting and potential construction, with no county funding requested at this stage.

Representatives from the Friends of Hunting Creek said the project is intended to address erosion and habitat issues in Upper Mill Creek caused by increased stormwater runoff from decades of development in the Prince Frederick area.

“We broke it. We have a responsibility to fix it,” said Ron Klauda, a founding member of the Friends of Hunting Creek.

Klauda said the stream has become deeply eroded in some areas, limiting its ability to slow water flow and support aquatic habitat. The proposed restoration would use strategically placed wood structures to reduce erosion, improve stream conditions and reconnect portions of the stream with its surrounding floodplain.

The American Chestnut Land Trust and Friends of Hunting Creek plan to apply for grant funding through the Chesapeake Bay Trust to support the project’s design and permitting phase. If funding is secured, the groups would seek additional funding for construction.

Commissioners asked about potential impacts on nearby property owners, downstream areas and existing infrastructure near the stream. Representatives said the work would primarily take place on county-owned property and that coordination with affected parties would be part of the process moving forward.

The board approved the proposal in concept, allowing the groups to continue pursuing funding, permits and other approvals needed before restoration work can begin.

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